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Mountain safety experts are warning people to take care as the nights draw in, as they traditionally see an increase in rescue call outs after the clocks go back each autumn.

Hiking guide Richard Prideaux, who runs Ruthin based skills training company Original Outdoors, has filmed a short video advising people on some top tips for not getting caught out. They include:

• Choose your route. There are dozens of lower-level walks that are a safer bet if a walker has limited time or the weather is poor. there next time.

• Take the time to find out what clothing and equipment is needed. As a bare minimum, good walking boots suitable to the conditions, warm and waterproof clothing, hat and gloves, plus a map compass and headtorch with spare batteries.

• Plan what you are doing and tell somebody responsible where you are going, what time you intend to be back and who you are going with.

• The weather changes very quickly in the mountains and doesn’t always follow the forecast. The temperature drops by as much as 1C for every 100m of ascent. Add in the effects of windchill on wet clothing and the temperature on the summits can be as much as 20C colder than in the valley.

Richard Prideaux in encouraging people to think about safety outdoors

Richard runs mountain navigation courses and is promoting a #Navember hashtag on Twitter to encourage people to improve their skills.

He said hikers can be surprised when it gets dark in the late afternoon, and warns: “The weather in the mountains can often be worse than at home.

“We are so used to artificial lighting in our towns and cities that we often forget what real darkness is.

“Nobody goes into the hills expecting disaster, but in an environment where a simple mistake like forgetting to bring a torch or ignoring a weather forecast can sometimes have serious consequences.

“The mountains don’t have to be feared, but they should be respected – we shouldn’t rely on the unpaid volunteer mountain rescue teams just because we fail to prepare properly.”

It comes after Phil Benbow, chairman of the North Wales Mountain Safe Partnership, also this week urged people to take precautions this autumn.

He said: “It is important to carry a working torch, even if you plan to get back before dark, and don’t rely on your mobile phone and the rescue team to get you out of trouble.”

The partnership urged people to have the right equipment including a map, compass, torch, food, drink, whistle and fully charged mobile phone.

Check the Met Office Mountain Weather forecast and be prepared to turn back if the weather worsens.

Dress appropriately with walking boots, several layers of clothing including warm ones, gloves, a hat and waterproof jacket and trousers. Plan the route before setting off and ask for local advice.